IUD - Mirena
Hello ladies,
Does anyone have a Mirena inserted? I had my second replacement late January of this year, and I'm still getting my periods. It came irregularly twice in May. I had a telephone appointment with my Gynaecologist in early June, she gave me requisitions to check my Iron levels, and to have a pelvic ultrasound done. I've had the blood work done last week, but am waiting for a call for the ultrasound. At least, I'm placed near the front of the list, as I'm staff member (handed it to the Medical Imaging Department at the hospital) last week. But, I guess there's still a wait, as I know they are short-staffed too. The first Mirena I had, it worked really well, I didn't start getting my period until after 4 years, it was then, when I got to know the Gynaecologist (that I often see, as I worked within the Operating Room). I finally saw her last year in October, in her clinic, after she had written a requisition for the ultrasound, only to find out that my IUD was mislocated, hence, my periods started again.
With this second replacement, I'm going to have to keep an eye and see if I'll still have my period in the next two weeks. If I'm still getting it, I really hope that it's not mislocated again. Otherwise, it would be a waste of a few hundred dollars that I spent on getting it. She did mention last time, that if she were to move it back in place, it'll have to be done at the hospital, as she'll need to insert a camera to see and make sure it's back in place. I really hope that doesn't happen though. I don't feel comfortable being on the Operating Table with nurses that I work with. But then, if my period doesn't come in the next two weeks, I wonder if that ultrasound is still necessary.
Anyways, I'm not quite sure why I wrote this post. Just something I'm worried about and want to share it.
@Jaeteuk Hello there, thank you for sharing your concerns about your experience with Mirena. It sounds like you've been going through a frustrating and uncertain time. Waiting for test results and dealing with the possibility of misplacement can certainly be anxiety-inducing.
It's understandable that you're worried and seeking support. Sometimes, expressing our concerns and sharing our experiences can provide a sense of relief. It's also helpful to discuss these matters with your gynaecologist, who can provide you with the most accurate information and guidance based on your specific situation.
Remember, you have the right to voice your concerns and preferences to your healthcare provider. If you're uncomfortable with a particular procedure or situation, it's important to communicate that to your gynaecologist. They can work with you to find the best solution that aligns with your needs and comfort level.
I hope that your upcoming ultrasound and discussions with your gynaecologist bring you clarity and reassurance.
Thank you, @Mya000
I'll have to keep an eye on my cycles early this month. I might have to check on that ultrasound appointment, hopefully the line-up is not too long. My gynaecologist did say that I could request an in-clinic appointment to see the results of the blood work and ultrasound when the time comes. I feel more comfortable seeing her in-clinic, rather than chatting over the phone.
From what she mentioned with my mis-located first Mirena, the two options was either doing the procedure at the Hospital with the camera, or replace it with a new one. I'm sure these two options will still be the only way to solve it this time, if the ultrasound shows a mis-located position. If that's really the case, I really don't now how to choose. A waste of money to get another prescription for a replacement (she says new studies show that Mirena can be used up to 7 years), so getting a new one in under a year, makes it not worth it. At the same time though, like I mentioned before, I'll feel uncomfortable doing the procedure at the Hospital I work in. Decisions, decisions..
I just hope that by the time I see her, she won't be on her second maternity leave. When I had my Mirena inserted in January, it was her Locum that was there, as she was on vacation. I see that she's pregnant again, so hopefully I can see her before she goes on leave, or hope that it's the same Locum doctor that will cover her maternity leave.
@Jaeteuk You are welcome. It's understandable that you're concerned about your cycles this month and the potential need for an ultrasound appointment. Opting for an in-clinic appointment to review the blood work and ultrasound results sounds like a wise decision, as it makes you feel more comfortable.
Regarding the options for dealing with the mis-located Mirena, it can indeed be a tough choice between the hospital procedure with a camera and getting a new one. It's essential to consider the financial aspect and your own comfort level during the decision-making process. If the ultrasound reveals another mislocated position, discussing the pros and cons with your gynaecologist will help you make the right choice.
I understand your desire to see your regular gynaecologist and avoid any changes during her maternity leave. Let's hope the timing works out in your favour, either seeing her before she goes on leave or having the same trusted locum doctor covering for her.
Wishing you all the best with your health and decision-making process.
@Jaeteuk Hey, thank you for telling us about your worries and concerns. I think it is normal and natural for you to be thinking about this situation quite often, because it affects your health, well-being, and reproductive cycles. When you use Mirena or a long-term kind of birth control, you expect it to work and be effective. When it doesn't work as planned, doubts start to creep in. Plus, as you mentioned, it can be uncomfortable, time-consuming, and expensive!
I do hope that you don't have too much longer to wait for that ultrasound. Although, I'm sure it would be awkward, navigating such a delicate situation with your co-workers... especially if you do have to have a procedure, to get it re-placed. I hope the co-workers are people you can trust.
Are you committed to using Mirena, or would you be open to considering another brand or form of birth control? I am just wondering, in case this one doesn't work out.
I'm using it to regulate my menstruation, not exactly as a form of birth control. I used to get super heavy bleeds, and have needed Iron injections in the past. With the first Mirena, I had nearly no periods, which helped a lot, energy-wise.
As with other brands, I'll have to discuss it with my Gynaecologist if she has any other suggestions. I was introduced to this brand by my cousin, who has been using it a few years before I had my first one.
@purplelady568
An update:
I called my Gynecologist office last Friday and asked the secretary to kindly check up on my ultrasound appointment. She called me back this morning, saying my appointment is this Friday. Finally, that means I'll be able to meet with my doctor before she goes on her second maternity leave to review my ultrasound and bloodwork results. I've seen her locum before, but I'd rather catch her before her leave. Her locum is a very nice lady too. Luckily the appointment is at 9am, so, I can most likely go home first before heading back to work. Lucky my shift starts at 12pm now and parking should be aplenty, with the summer and staff usually take Mondays and Fridays off to have a long weekend.
Oh my gosh.. the ultrasound shows that it's mis-located again. I made an in-person appointment with my Gynecologist for Aug.1st to discuss about the following steps. When I spoke with her yesterday, she told me to make an appointment for late next week, but when I called this morning, she was fully booked. I did request to call me if there are any cancelations though. The way to solve this is most likely be going into the Hospital for a procedure where she'll be able to use a camera to put it back into place. Since I just got it early this year, it doesn't make sense and will be a waste of money to get a new one. I've been asking the nurses at work about the procedure and what I'll be expecting. Just to get myself prepared. Sigh, I can't believe this.
@Jaeteuk I'm really sorry to hear about the mislocated ultrasound. That must be frustrating and concerning for you. It's good that you've already taken the initiative to schedule an in-person appointment with your Gynaecologist to discuss the next steps.
It sounds like you're being proactive and seeking information from your colleagues to be better prepared for the procedure. That shows strength and resilience during a challenging time.
Remember, you don't have to go through this alone. Reach out to friends, family, or even support groups if you feel it could help you cope with what's ahead.
I'm here to lend a listening ear and offer support whenever you need it. Take care ❤️
It was the same technician that did my ultrasound, she said it's the same as last time. But since she's not allowed to disclose any other conditions, the in-person appointment with my Gynaecologist will allow her to explain what's going with me. Also, she'll be able to tell me if my bloodwork for the Iron/Ferritin is normal.
Thank you. I feel very annoyed that this has happened again, and that because it's a new replacement, the only choice for me is to go for the procedure; as it'll be a waste of money to get a new one (costs a couple $100) for something that is supposed to last me for 7 years (and it's only been 6 months).
I asked a nurse that is the team lead of Gynaecology, she explained that it's possible that it's my uterus that is not the normal formation, so, when the IUD was inserted, it might not have been placed snuggly. I'm guessing that the ultrasound would be able to show that. So, maybe using the camera and doing the procedure at the Hospital would've been a better choice, even for the initial insertion.
I've been asking around different nurses, asking if patients are coming for surgery, where do they get admitted, asked about anaesthesia, asked about when nurses ask the patients what allergies they have, if it only means to medication or everything under the sun, asked about the duration of the procedure.. etc.
After seeing my Gynaecologist, I hope I don't have to wait too long for the procedure. At first, I worried about getting it done at the Hospital I work at, since I know all the nurses, it seemed uncomfortable to be letting them see my private parts. But, when I told my mum about it, she says to think of it as them being normal medical staff, that they are healthcare providers, and I'm just a patient getting treated. There is one thing I do know though, we've had staff who's had surgeries in the OR before, and they covered up the see-through glass on both doors, so other people walking past the doors won't be able to look-in and see. So, there is some privacy where only those in the operating room are the only ones who see our naked bodies.
Probably by the time I get in line for the procedure, the current Gynaecologist would've gone on her Maternity Leave, so it'll be her Locum. When I had this one inserted, it was also the Locum's student that did it. But the lead nurse did say that this Locum is just as good when it comes to procedures/surgeries too. So, hopefully after the procedure, the IUD will start working.
With the first IUD I had, it worked wonders. As I did not get my period at all. The worst side effect I get is the extreme fatigue. I just finished my menstruation for this month, last Sunday, I was so tired, that I almost fell asleep sitting at my computer desk. I could've slept all day too, but I had errands to do. And when I sleep at night, no matter how many hours I slept for, I'll still feel sleepy during the day. Sometimes, I'd get the lower back pain too. Where I'm so stiff, that I'm unable to bend forward at all. Luckily, this doesn't happen every time I get my period. It's the extreme fatigue that bothers me the most. For the 5 days that it comes, it would be best to sleep all day.
Sorry for writing so much. I'm really frustrated, worried, bothered, annoyed, and confused why this has happened. Thank you for listening though, makes a difference for sure.
@Mya000
@Jaeteuk - wow, I am sorry! that sounds super frustrating and disappointing! And I'm sorry you have to go through the re-placement procedure again, I think you were hoping to avoid that. I hope you can get in to see your provider soon. Good idea, putting yourself on the cancellation list.
I'm really frustrated and annoyed to why this has happened again. I was really hoping that the ultrasound wasn't going to show that it was mis-located, but because I just bought this Mirena, it doesn't make sense (and I can't afford) to spend another couple hundred dollars for another one. So, my only option, would be getting the procedure done at the Hospital and have them re-position it instead.
I really hope that someone cancels next week. I'd rather see my Gynaecologist asap than waiting until August 1st. The longer it takes to see her, I'll feel more and more frustrated, worried, and annoyed the days prior.
My other concern is, depending on the appointment time (if given a cancelled spot), I'll have to submit a Schedule Request Form, in case the appointment is at a time where I may not be able to start my shift on time, I need to put a form in, indicating I have a Medical Appointment, and will start my shift at a later time. Or, if the appointment is in the middle of my shift, I might have to either switch shifts with someone (and leave earlier), or take the day off entirely. I only hope that I get enough notice that I'm able to have that Request Form accepted.
I'm starting to feel anxious and nervous already. I was feeling a bit lightheaded at work yesterday too. I was so disappointed that I felt my body was reacting to the results of the ultrasound. I wasn't able to tell a specific colleague yesterday about it, we were really busy, and she always had other staff around her. I didn't get my chance, until she has left after her shift ended, and I just texted her about it. She treats me like her half-daughter. I've helped her a lot with work-related things, she even gave me some cash as a gift for last Christmas! She has a daughter around my age too, but lives in the States.
Sigh.. this is so frustrating. I can't wait for the appointment with my Gynaecologist. The next thing I'll worry about is the procedure.
@purplelady568
@Jaeteuk I completely understand why you feel anxious and stressed about this situation, and you have every right to feel that way. I don't like it when my weekly or daily schedule is unpredictable, either. When you have to request time off work, trade shifts, or reschedule things, it can be a huge inconvenience, both for you and others.
I'm glad you have an 'adopted mom' figure at work that you can confide in. It's really important to have those types of supportive people around you during stressful times, if possible. I do hope your supervisor and coworkers can be understanding if your schedule needs to change for this upcoming appointment.
I feel my depression is on the verge of kicking in. Almost hoping that there is some other condition that has caused the mis-location of the IUD. But at the same time, I'm scared/worried that there is something else that's wrong.
Sigh, I'm still feeling tired today. But, we're having visitors over for dinner/BBQ. Someone who is like a big sister to me, visiting from Hong Kong, with her husband and parents. My brother also invited his other friend, that also knows her. So, there will be 11 people including us, at our place. Big Sister is arriving around 5pm, it is now 3pm. I'm seriously thinking of taking like an hour nap to recharge, then, get dressed (not my lazy home clothes).
@purplelady568
@Jaeteuk I hope the BBQ and visit went well! Maybe recharging and meeting up with your old friends will be just what you needed to help you begin to feel a little better.
The BBQ went well. My sister gave me a very thoughtful gift, although we didn't get much of a chance to chat, there were too many guests. We still had a good time.
I'm feeling a bit traumatized though, as this mis-location happened a second time. I almost expected my ultrasound results to be the same as previous, but at the same time, I was hoping it wasn't like this. The nurse explained that the reason could be because of the position of the uterus, that the initial insertion wasn't in place properly, so, as months passed, it moved. To a point where it now shows that it's mis-located. That makes me wonder, why didn't this happen with my first IUD? Did something change inside of me in the past 6 years that affects how the IUD is placed? I'll have to ask my Gynecologist about that. I'm in a bit of disbelief, why this has to happen to me. I can't wait for my doctor to explain the ultrasound results to me, give me a better explanation to why it's mis-located again.
I'm feeling quite depressed and worried at the moment. At work now, but I feel like sleeping all day instead.
So, after my appointment yesterday. Turns out I won't need to go to the Hospital for the procedure. But because it is mis-located, I am getting it replaced at her clinic. Going to catch her before she goes on Maternity Leave. At least, as of April 1st, all birth control is free. So, although I feel ripped off with the one I have had for only 6 months, paid a couple hundred dollars for, the replacement will be free. So, hopefully, when she inserts it this time, it will be in place.
The reason for the mis-location was probably the locum's student didn't insert it far enough, so it started dropping as time goes by.
Relieved, but still wasn't able to sleep well the past 2 nights.
Just a quick update. As of April 1st, 2023, all birth control is free. So, I had my 3rd replacement about 3 weeks ago. This time, it was done by my main Gynecologist, and not the student of the Locum's that was done in January 2023. I read the paperwork for the Mirena itself, the sheet that tells you possible side effects, precautions, etc. I don't remember how my body reacted for the very first one I had 5 years ago, but is it normal to still get some spotting after the insertion of the replacements? I remember with the very first one I had, my period stopped entirely, didn't even have any spotting. But now, I don't know if this is normal. I was hoping to get the same results as the initial IUD, but its making things inconvenient now. The previous 2 that I replaced earlier this year, there was an issue with it where it wasn't inserted properly so it kept being mis-located and my period came regularly. I was hoping that with this one, since it's done by my primary Gynecologist, I was hoping it would come into effect immediately.
I'm suppose to have an ultrasound done in 3 weeks, just to check the location of it. We used to go into the clinic to have the strings checked, but Gynecologist says that checking the strings doesn't tell them whether or not if the position is correct. So, they're going to switch to using ultrasound to check instead.
I'm wondering if I should call the clinic and ask if this is a normal reaction. But I'm not available for the next 3 weeks to have a phone appointment in the mornings. It's also the same locum from January, as my Gynecologist is on her second Maternity Leave. I have to call the clinic next Friday anyways, to ask if the Ultrasound appointment has been booked, maybe I'll quickly ask about my concern then?
@Jaeteuk thanks for sharing your experience. I hope that it all gets sorted for you. I'm actually about to change to a Milena
I had Mirena inserted as well, after getting some benign polypts removed. It's been a few months already but I still get my periods regularly. At least I'm no longer bleeding for months non-stop...
Didn't know it could be dislocated! Thanks for the info... and good luck with your second one!
That's good.
I decided to get it because I used to get really heavy periods. When I had it the first time, I didn't get my periods at all. And my energy levels were good. With the heavy periods, I get extremely fatigued, to a point where I could fall asleep as I wait for my coffee to brew! But I've been having problems with the replacements, that they get mis-located, and that I'm still spotting on a daily-basis. It's annoying to always needing to wear a pad. I'm really hoping this replacement is in the right position. Makes me wonder if the less effective as I age, because my hormone levels are probably different than 5 years ago.